U.S. patent application number 15/650509 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for flood protection for underground air vents.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nick Adam Eastman, Louis A. Waters, JR.. Invention is credited to Nick Adam Eastman, Louis A. Waters, JR..
Application Number | 20170343238 15/650509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60418606 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170343238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waters, JR.; Louis A. ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
FLOOD PROTECTION FOR UNDERGROUND AIR VENTS
Abstract
Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an
underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the
ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on
threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface
water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting
in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top
and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed
lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more
hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close
the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home
position allowing ventilation. A panel drain automatically closes
when the panel is raised to home position. A releasable latching
system between panel and a suspension member holder catches rising
panels to hold them in home position. The suspension member may
include end keys received in keyed supports so a specific panel
faces a specific sidewall.
Inventors: |
Waters, JR.; Louis A.;
(Bellaire, TX) ; Eastman; Nick Adam; (Georgetown,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Waters, JR.; Louis A.
Eastman; Nick Adam |
Bellaire
Georgetown |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60418606 |
Appl. No.: |
15/650509 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14506778 |
Oct 6, 2014 |
9752342 |
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15650509 |
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61887416 |
Oct 6, 2013 |
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62363024 |
Jul 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2800/428 20130101;
E21F 1/08 20130101; E04H 9/145 20130101; E05F 1/02 20130101; E05Y
2800/11 20130101; E02D 19/02 20130101; E06B 5/01 20130101; E05Y
2800/252 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/14 20060101
F24F013/14; E02D 19/02 20060101 E02D019/02; E21F 1/08 20060101
E21F001/08; E06B 3/38 20060101 E06B003/38; E05F 5/00 20060101
E05F005/00; E06B 5/00 20060101 E06B005/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for allowing ventilation through a vertical
ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly
communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric
opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding manually operable to
prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground
ventilation duct, comprising a support comprising opposed lateral
sidewalls for arrangement in said shaft defining a passage between
top and bottom openings of the support for fluid communication of
said ventilation duct up through said support to said atmospheric
opening, one or more panels having proximal and distal ends, a top
side and a bottom side, said proximal end connecting with a
horizontal hinge having a hinge axis perpendicular to said opposed
lateral sidewalls for rotation of each said panel upwardly to an
upright home position not obstructing said passage and rotation
from said home position downwardly solely by gravitational impetus
of its own weight to reach a lower passage closing position, said
one or more panels having a profile that closes said passage when
each said panel gravitationally rotates to said passage, at least
one restraint limiting said downward rotation of each panel to said
lower passage closing position, a suspension member unobstructively
horizontally spanning said passage supported on said opposed
lateral sidewalls proximate said top opening and holding said one
or more hinge connected panels in said passage proximate said
bottom opening, a panel holder for holding each said panel in said
upright home position, comprising: a moveable member carried either
by a said panel or by said suspension member below said suspension
member, and a non-movable member carried by the other of the panel
or the suspension member not carrying said moveable member, said
movable member capturing and holding said nonmoving member when
said panel is rotated upwardly to said home position, a panel
releaser for said panel holder, comprising linkage connected to
said moveable or non-moveable panel holder member carried by said
suspension member, said linkage being movable relative to said
suspension member to translate said moveable or nonmovable member
to release the panel from said upright home position and allow said
panel to gravitationally rotationally fall to said lower passage
closing position, a panel handle on said top side of said one of
more panels for manually rotationally raising said one or more the
panels from said passage closing position toward said home
position, a lift arm for each panel, each lift arm having a
proximal end pivotally connected by pivot pin to said bottom side
of a said panel on a pivotation axis parallel to said hinge axis
and a distal end, each said lift arm being of dimension to contact
said distal end with one of said opposed lateral sidewalls when
said distal end is pivoted upward inside said sidewall for exertion
of lateral force onto the connected panel being raised with said
panel handle to complete rotation of said panel into said home
position, and a drain in at least one of said one or more panels
intermediate said proximate and distal ends thereof, said drain
comprising a conduit passing though said panel, said conduit having
an opening at said panel top side and a self actuating drain
closure on each said panel having a drain, said closure comprising
a plug pivotingly rotatable on a drain plug axis positioned between
said drain conduit and said distal end of each said panel, said
drain plug axis paralleling said horizontal hinge axis, said plug
being manually pivotable upwardly on said drain plug axis to remove
said plug from said drain opening to drain water contained above
said one or more panels when each said panel is in said passage
closing position, said plug by gravitational impetus of its own
weight automatically pivoting downward to place said plug in said
conduit opening when said panel containing said drain is pivotally
raised upward to said home position, whereby the conduit opening is
already closed when the panel gravitationally rotates downwardly to
said passage closing position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said atmospheric opening is
rectilinear and said support is quadrilateral, and in which said
opposing sidewalls each attach centrally in said passage adjacent
said top opening a cradle having a pair of spaced apart parallel
vertical arms connecting to and standing upright on a horizontal
bar for liftingly removably receiving and supporting said beam
within said vertical arms and on said horizontal bar.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said quadrilateral support has
at least one indicator on at least one sidewall adjacent said
opposed lateral sidewalls to indicate where structure on a panel is
located below the indicator, and wherein said suspension member has
ends each of which bears a key extending laterally past a side of
the suspension member, and wherein each said cradle is keyed to
receive said key only in one arm of the cradle so a said panel
having that structure is located below said indicator.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said nonmoveable member of
said panel holder comprises a latch catch and said moveable member
of said panel holder comprises a latch engageable with said latch
catch.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said panel topside includes
said latch catch and said latch is carried by said suspension
member.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said panel top side includes
said latch and said latch catch is carried by said suspension
member.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said lift arms are spring
biased to force the distal ends rotationally outwardly and
upwardly.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which a spring is centrally coiled
around said lift arm pivot pin, the spring terminating on opposite
first and second ends having a straight portion comprising a
proximal shank and a distal portion bent at a right angle to the
shank, the distal portion of the first end extending engagingly
across an underside of the lift arm proximate the pivot pin and the
distal portion of the second end extending engagingly across a
topside of the lift arm more distant from the pivot pin than the
distal portion of the first end.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a stay for each
pivot arm, a stay pivot pin adjacent said lift arm pivot pin
pivotally connecting an upper end of each stay, a lower end of said
stay angling outwardly toward an adjacent lift arm to extend across
and releasably contact a proximal portion of said top side of the
lift arm, said spring bias pressing said lift arms against said
stays restrain said lift arms from rotation outwardly and
upwardly.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 in which each said lift arm has a
configuration at a bottom portion of said arm for engagement by a
reach tool vertically lowered from said atmospheric opening to
engage and pivotally pull the lift arm upwardly such that said
distal end of the arm travels upward on said sidewall.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said stay is releasable by a
reach tool vertically lowered from said atmospheric opening,
allowing the spring biased distal end of said lift arm to pivot
laterally outward for capture by said reach tool reach tool
vertically lowered from said atmospheric opening to engage and
pivotally pull the lift arm upwardly such that said distal end of
the arm travels upward on said sidewall.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said plug further comprises
an upwardly concave sealing gasket around said plug periphery to
seal any space between said plug periphery and said conduit opening
when said panel containing said plug is in said passage closing
position.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 in which each said panel containing a
said drain has spaced posts fixedly mounted to said top side of
each said panel between said drain and said distal end of each said
panel, and in which said drain plug axis comprises a rod supported
parallel to said horizontal hinge axis by said posts and spans
between said posts above said panel top side, each said drain
closure comprising: a plug arm pivotally rotatable at a proximal
end of said arm with or on said rod for movement of said arm to a
raised drain opening position and to a lowered drain closing
position, said plug arm comprising an attachment projection remote
from said rod, an upwardly concave sealing gasket, a top plate and
a bottom plate, both smaller in size than said gasket, said concave
sealing gasket being secured between said top and bottom plates, at
least said bottom plate being of size configured to enter and plug
said conduit opening, said plates exposing an outer upwardly
concave gasket portion extending above said bottom plate, said
plates being fixedly connected to said arm at said attachment
projection locating a center of gravity of said arm past said pivot
axis of said rod in said direction of said drain, so that after a
panel containing said drain has a said plug arm in said raised
position to drain water above the panel while said panel is in said
passage closing position, when said panel containing said drain
with said plug arm in raised position is rotated upwardly toward
said home position, said plug arm by reason of gravity acting on
said center of gravity of said raised plug arm rotates said plug
arm downwardly from said raised position to a position parallel to
said parallel to said panel, placing at least said bottom plate in
said drain conduit opening thereby closing said opening with said
outer upwardly concave gasket portion sealing space between said
plates and said opening.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which said plug arm includes a
relief on an underside of the arm distal from said rod for capture
of the arm by an arm lifting reach tool.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 in which said plug arm includes a
recess on a end of the arm distal from said rod for capture of the
arm by an arm lifting reach tool.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the
benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/506,778 filed Oct. 6, 2014,
which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/887,416, filed Oct. 6, 2013, as does this application, and
further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/363,024, filed Jul. 15, 2016, the disclosures of all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to blocking flooding water from
entering underground ventilation passages.
Background Art
[0004] Surface storm waters entering and flooding underground
tunnels and chambers through ventilation ducts connecting the
underground chambers or tunnels to air at ground surface affect
without limitation, underground transportation tunnels for road
vehicles, trains, and subways, and underground chambers, such as
associated with a complex of connecting tunnels and shafts, for
example as used for such things as underground hydroelectric-power
plants, or with underground utilities which require ventilation,
such as underground transformer rooms.
[0005] In a typical subway ventilation arrangement, ventilation
ducts or shafts are incorporated into subway systems near stations
to exhaust stale pushed air as the train nears a station and to
pull in fresh outside air as a train leaves a station, Also
reducing the "piston effect" of air being forced through the
tunnels at high speeds by moving trains. Typically, a ventilation
duct communicates from an underground tunnel and terminates in a
ventilation shaft structure below grade level that opens to the
atmosphere at grade level such as a sidewalk where the opening is
covered by a subway grating.
[0006] Subways have systems for handling water. When it rains,
water runs down stairwells, onto platforms and thence onto tracks,
and some gets in the ventilation systems through the surface
gratings. Drains beneath the tracks pipe water to underground sumps
in pump rooms next to the subway tracks. Pumps pull the water up to
pressure relief manholes open to the atmosphere at street level;
from there the water drains under gravity flow into city storm
sewers. The problem is that in heavy rains, storm sewers are
overwhelmed and flush water back into the streets, flooding the
streets with water inundates sidewalk and pours down through subway
gratings into the ventilation system thence into the tunnels and
onto the tracks. The pumping system can only return water to the
flooded street; from there the water reenters the flood pool
pouring into the ventilation system, defeating the pumping system
as a means of controlling subway flooding. The problem is
especially acute in cities like New York and Lower Manhattan, which
is low-lying, vulnerable to storm surges and dotted with
grade-level gratings, stairwells and other points of entry for
running water into the subways.
[0007] One solution for reducing entrance of runoff water from
sidewalk grating openings through the ventilation ducts down into
the underground systems was raising the subway ventilation gratings
above sidewalk level, as was done in some locations in New York
City in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn after flooding from a severe
rainstorm in 2007. This not only was costly to implement but also
sacrificed much of the available sidewalk area available for
pedestrians. In advance of the super storm Sandy in 2013, when
predicted storm surge and high tides in addition to heavy rains
signaled flooding of subways, workers resorted to sandbags and
fastening plywood covers over subway ventilation gratings to try to
prevent flooding. Sandy was testament to flood hazards of subways
and vented subterranean structures. Fastening plywood covers over
large numbers of air vent gratings in a short period of time as a
solution is an imperfect labor and materials intensive process and
can be too little too late, as was made clear by subway flooding
from Sandy. A simpler, faster, relatively inexpensive and more
effective method of preventing flooding through sidewalk air vent
gratings is needed.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a quadrilateral (four sided)
support structure for receiving the embodiment of FIG. 5
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the quadrilateral embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a cross section view of the quadrilateral
embodiment of
[0011] FIG. 1 taken along the lines 2A-2A of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5
received in the quadrilateral support of FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A viewed
in this perspective from a left side.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5
received in the quadrilateral support of FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A rotated
180 degrees from the view of FIG. 3, that is, it is a view of the
opposite side of FIG. 3 (the right side).
[0014] FIG. 5 is an isometric top view of a liftingly removable
panel assembly with panels in lowered position.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the portion of FIG. 5 shown in
dashed lines indicated by the reference numeral 6.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlargement of the portion of FIG. 5 shown in
dashed lines indicated by the reference numeral 7.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlargement of the portion of FIG. 5 shown in
dashed lines indicated by the reference numeral 8.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an alterative embodiment to FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment to FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a frontal graphic showing the panels of FIG. 5 in
lowered position in place in the support of FIG. 1
[0021] FIG. 12A is an isometric view of the top side of an
embodiment of a panel on the right side of the embodiment of FIG.
5, from the same perspective as in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 12B is an isometric view of the bottom side of the
embodiment of the panel of FIG. 10A.
[0023] FIG. 13A is an isometric view of the top side of an
embodiment of a panel on the left side of the embodiment of FIG. 5,
from the same perspective of the panel as in FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 13B is an isometric view of the bottom side of the
embodiment of a panel of FIG. 13A.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIGS. 3
and 5 presenting a view of the bottom of the embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of the bottom part of FIG.
14.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 5 showing lift arms with stays engaged.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the stay and lift arm of the
embodiment of FIGS. 14, 14A and 15.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a shadow view of the arrangement of lift arm and
stay of FIG. 16.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 5 showing the lift arms with the stays released.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 19A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
19 taken along the line 19A-19A of FIG. 19 showing the lift arms
with the stays engaged.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 19
showing the panels partially raised and the lift arms with stays
released.
[0034] FIG. 20A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
20 taken along the line 20A-20A of FIG. 20 showing the lift arms
with the stays released.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 19
showing the panels completely raised and the lift arms relaxed
after deployment completing rotation of the panels to home
position.
[0036] FIG. 21A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
19 taken along the line 21A-21A of FIG. 21 showing the panels
completely raised and the lift arms relaxed after deployment
completing rotation of the panels to home position.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of variations of the panel
assembly of FIG. 5 and the cradle support of FIG. 1 (panels shown
raised in home position).
[0038] FIG. 22A is a cross section viewed along the line 22A-22A of
FIG. 22 showing a variant of the end of the beam portion of the
panel assembly of FIG. 5.
[0039] FIG. 23 Is a top plan view of variations of the panel
assembly of FIG. 5 and the cradle support of FIG. 1 (panels shown
raised in home position).
[0040] FIG. 23A is a cross section viewed along the line 23A-23A of
FIG. 23 showing a variant of the end of the beam portion of the
panel assembly of FIG. 5.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a perspective of the variant depicted in cross
section in FIG. 23A.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of a cradle variant of the
support of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cradle variant depicted
in FIG. 23.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the cradle variant
depicted in FIG. 23.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the cradle variant depicted in
FIG. 23.
[0046] FIG. 29 a cutaway isometric view of the panel assembly
variant of FIG. 5 showing the cradle support variant of FIGS. 25-28
supporting a truncation of the variant assembly of FIG. 5.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a top plan view showing the variant of FIGS. 23A
and 24 in place in the cradle variant support of FIGS. 25-28.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment with
some components removed showing the position of the variant panel
assembly of FIG. 5 as it is lowered into place into the cradle of
FIGS. 25-28 and into a lower support anchorage depicted in FIGS.
35-37.
[0049] FIG. 32 is a front elevation of a lower connector plate for
the variant assembly of FIG. 5.
[0050] FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of the connector plate of
FIG. 32.
[0051] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the connector plate of FIG.
32.
[0052] FIG. 35 is a front elevation of an anchor bar for the
variant assembly of FIG. 5
[0053] FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the anchor bar of FIG.
35.
[0054] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the anchor bar of FIG.
35.
[0055] FIG. 38 is a perspective bottom view with some components
removed showing the position of the variant assembly of FIG. 5 in
place in the cradle of FIGS. 25-28 and anchored in place in the
lower anchorage support depicted in FIGS. 35-37.
[0056] FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the connector plate of FIGS.
32-34 anchored in place in the lower anchorage support depicted in
FIGS. 35-37.
[0057] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the panel of FIG. 10A.
[0058] FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view of the panel of FIG. 40
taken along the line 40-40 of FIG. 40.
[0059] FIG. 42 is an enlargement of the area indicated by "42" in
FIG. 40.
[0060] FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the panel of FIG. 40
showing the position of a plug assembly by dashed lines in raised
and partially lowered positions and in solid lines in fully lowered
position.
[0061] FIG. 44 is an isomeric view of a plug assembly part of the
panel of FIG. 40.
[0062] FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the plug assembly of FIG.
44.
[0063] FIG. 45A is a cross section of the plug assembly of FIG. 44
taken along the line 45A-45A of FIG. 45.
[0064] FIG. 45B is a top plan and side view of a top plate
component of the plug assembly of FIG. 44 better seen in the cross
section view of FIG. 45A.
[0065] FIG. 45C is a top plan and side view of a bottom plate
component of the plug assembly of FIG. 44 better seen in the cross
section view of FIG. 45A.
[0066] FIG. 45D is a top plan and side view of a concave sealing
gasket of the plug assembly of FIG. 44 better seen in the cross
section view of FIG. 45A.
[0067] FIG. 46 is a top plan and side elevational view of a plug
arm of the plug assembly of FIG. 44 also seen in the top plan view
of FIG. 345 and the cross sectional view of FIG. 45A.
[0068] FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view of a variation of a plug
assembly in place on a panel.
[0069] FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view of the plug arm portion of
the plug assembly of FIG. 47.
[0070] FIGS. 49A, 49B and 49C are respectively side, frontal and
perspective views of a tool for manual raising of components of
embodiments of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a single panel assembly
received in a quadrilateral support showing the panel deployed in a
passage closed position.
[0072] FIG. 50A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
40 taken along the line 50A-50A of FIG. 50.
[0073] FIG. 51 is a top plan view of a single panel assembly
received in a quadrilateral support showing the panel completely
raised to home position
[0074] FIG. 51A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
51 taken along the line 51A-51A of FIG. 51.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0075] In accordance with this invention apparatus for installation
in a ventilation shaft already fluidly communicating between an
atmospheric opening and an underground ventilation duct allows the
ventilation when there is no treat of flooding and on threat of
flooding is manually operable to close ventilation from the
atmospheric opening and prevent downward flow into the underground
ventilation duct of surface water entering the atmospheric
opening.
[0076] The concepts embodied in the exemplary embodiments of such
apparatus described herein have application to any system in which
an atmospheric opening communicates with a ventilation duct for an
underground chamber or tunnel or other underground structure
requiring ventilation, and through which opening substantial
volumes of water can enter, whether by heavy rain or by storm surge
propelled by hurricane or tropical storm or otherwise.
[0077] In the descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the
invention that follow, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way
of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. Specific details disclosed herein are in every case a
non-limiting embodiment representing concrete ways in which the
concepts of the invention may be practiced. This serves to teach
one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually
any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner consistent
with those concepts. It will be seen that various changes and
alternatives to the specific described embodiments and the details
of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within
the scope of the inventive concepts herein described and in the
specific embodiments herein detailed, it is to be understood that
the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not as
limiting.
[0078] The various directions such as "upper," "lower," "bottom,"
"top," "transverse", "perpendicular", "vertical", "horizontal," and
so forth used in the detailed description of embodiments are made
only with respect to easier explanation in conjunction with the
drawings. The components may be oriented differently while
performing the same function and accomplishing the same result as
the embodiments herein detailed embody the concepts of the
invention, and such terminologies are not to be understood as
limiting the concepts which the embodiments exemplify.
[0079] The term "perpendicular" means substantially at a right
angle to a reference to a degree that if not absolutely a right
angle will not materially adversely affect the arrangement and
function of the element described as perpendicular. The terms
"vertical" or "vertically" include but are not limited to literal
vertical and generally mean oriented up and down with respect to
the earth's horizon to a degree that if not absolutely vertical
will not materially adversely affect the function of the element
described as vertical. Similarly, the terms "horizontal" or
"horizontally" include but are not limited to literal horizontal
and generally mean not out of level with respect to the earth's
horizon to a degree that will materially adversely affect the
function of the element described as horizontal.
[0080] As used herein, the use of the word "a" or "an" when used in
conjunction with the term "comprising" (or the synonymous "having"
or "including") in the claims and/or the specification may mean
"one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more,"
"at least one," and "one or more than one." In addition, as used
herein, the phrase "connected to" means joined to or placed into
communication with, either directly or through intermediate
components.
[0081] For components of described embodiments that are the same,
in some cases the first mentioned component is identified by a
given reference numeral, and the second such component is the same
reference number marked with an apostrophe, for example "panel
handle 259" identifies a first mentioned component, and the second
such like component is identified as "panel handle 259'". Coupling
the two reference numerals separated by a coma, for example "panel
handles 259, 259'" means either component "panel handle 259" or
"panel handle 259'" is being described unless the context means
both are being described together.
[0082] For illustrative purposes of an application of the concepts
herein disclosed for blocking entrance of water into a ventilation
duct, the embodied concepts are described in reference to a
specific ventilation environment. The exemplary application is for
a subway system. In the specific embodiments described herein as
examples, it is assumed the atmospheric opening through which
flooding waters enter has a rectilinear shape, as for grating
covered grade level sidewalk openings for subway ventilation
systems, which at least in New York City typically are rectangular.
Although the detailed descriptions of specific embodiments relate
to a rectilinear shape and for a particular environment, the
invention does not require that the opening be rectilinear or that
embodiments of the invention conform to a rectilinear shape or that
the atmospheric opening be at grade level. The elements of the
invention can be configured to fit within downwardly vertically
projected dimensions of any ventilation shaft surface opening
serving any underground tunnel, chamber, room or other underground
structure, whether rectilinear, circular or oval or some other
shape.
[0083] In the descriptions of exemplary embodiments that follow,
the passage closing position is one in which the panel or panels of
the embodiments are horizontal. The concept of the invention is not
limited to this disposition. Restrains or stops for stopping panel
lowering may be positioned to stop the downward travel above
horizontal and still close a ventilation passage. The described
embodiments are non-limiting illustrations of examples in which the
concepts of the invention may be implemented.
[0084] The exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise a
ventilation shaft manual closure assembly. Support for the
exemplary assembly embodiment includes opposed lateral sidewalls
for arrangement in a vertical ventilation shaft to an underground
ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation
shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft. The atmospheric
opening may be cylindrical and the support cylindrical. The
atmospheric opening may be rectilinear and the support
quadrilateral. As mentioned, in the exemplary embodiments, the
atmospheric opening is rectilinear.
[0085] The support inclusive of the lateral sidewalls is sized to
internally fit in the vertical shaft between the ventilation duct
and the atmospheric opening. In an embodiment, the support has
horizontal flanges transverse to the sidewalls for projection
across a top of the shaft to hang the support in the shaft. The
support defines a passage between top and bottom openings of the
support for fluid communication of the ventilation duct up through
the support to the atmospheric opening.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more downwardly rotatable
panels may be used, mounted in an upright home position not
obstructing the ventilation passage that fluidly communicates the
underground ventilation duct with the atmospheric opening of the
ventilation shaft, to allow ventilation as usual when there is no
flooding threat. In one exemplary embodiment, a single panel is
mounted in the home position to a side of such a passage to alone
gravitationally fall from home position to a passage closing
position across the entirety of the passage to protect the
underground ventilation duct from flooding. In another exemplary
embodiment, a pair of panels is mounted on opposite sides of the
passage, to gravitationally fall from home position down toward
each other to passage closing positions to combine to close the
passage. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels is
mounted centrally in the passage for rotation of the panels in
directions opposite each other from the home position to a lower
passage closing position. An advantage of paired panels is that
they may be used to close a passage that is wider than it would be
feasible for a single taller panel to close.
[0087] The manual closure assembly comprises one or more panels
having proximal and distal ends, a top side and a bottom side. The
proximal end connects with a horizontal hinge having an axis
perpendicular to the opposed lateral sidewalls for manual rotation
of a panel upwardly to an upright home position not obstructing the
passage and rotation from the home position downwardly solely by
gravitational impetus of its own weight to reach a lower passage
closing position. The one or more panels have a profile that closes
the passage when each panel gravitationally rotates to the passage
closing position.
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, a panel holder for holding each
the panel in the upright home position comprises a moveable member
carried either by a the panel or by the suspension member below the
suspension member, and a non-movable member carried by the other of
the panel or the suspension member not carrying the moveable
member, the movable member capturing and holding the nonmoving
member when the panel is rotated upwardly to the home position. The
embodiment further comprises a panel releaser for the panel holder
comprising linkage connected to the moveable or non-moveable panel
holder member carried by the suspension member, the linkage being
vertically movable relative to the suspension member to translate
the moveable or nonmovable member to cause it to release the panel
from the upright home position and allow the panel to
gravitationally rotationally fall to the lower passage closing
position. In an exemplary embodiment the nonmoveable member of the
panel holder comprises a latch catch and the moveable member of the
panel holder comprises a latch engageable with the latch catch.
[0089] At least one restraint limits the downward rotation of each
panel to the lower passage closing position. The restraint may be
one or more foldable or flexible members anchored at one end to an
upper portion of a suspension member (next mentioned) and fastened
at the other end to the topside of a panel, or it may comprise one
or more stops that do not obstruct the passage and that are located
within and connected to the support proximate the bottom
opening.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent sidewalls include a
base having rounded corners with a first radius of curvature and in
which the distal portions of the panels have rounded corners with a
radius of curvature substantially the same as the first radius of
curvature of the sidewall corners they sweep when rotating to the
passage closing position. In an exemplary embodiment, the panels
include seals for sealing the passage in the passage closing
position.
[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, means are provided for manually
rotating the panels to home position, including a panel handle on
the top side of the one of more panels for manually rotationally
raising the one or more the panels from the passage closing
position toward the home position, and a lift arm for each panel,
each lift arm having a proximal end pivotally connected by pivot
pin to the bottom side of a panel on a pivotation axis parallel to
the hinge axis and a distal end optionally comprising a terminal
round, suitably a wheel. Each lift arm has a dimension allowing it
to contact the terminal round with one of the opposed lateral
sidewalls when the distal end is pivoted upward inside the sidewall
for exertion of lateral force onto the connected panel being raised
with the panel handle to complete rotation of the panel into the
home position.
[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arms are spring biased
to force the distal ends rotationally outwardly and upwardly. In an
exemplary embodiment, a spring is centrally coiled around the lift
arm pivot pin. The spring terminates on opposite first and second
ends and has a straight portion comprising a proximal shank and a
distal portion bent at a right angle to the shank. The distal
portion of the first end extends engagingly across an underside of
the lift arm proximate the pivot pin and the distal portion of the
second end extends engagingly across a topside of the lift arm more
distant from the pivot pin than the distal portion of the first
end.
[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, a releasable stay is provided
for each pivot arm. A stay pivot pin adjacent the lift arm pivot
pin pivotally connects an upper end of each stay. A lower end of
the stay angles outwardly toward an adjacent lift arm to extend
across and releasably contact a proximal portion of the top side of
the lift arm. The spring bias presses the lift arms against the
stays, restraining the lift arms from rotation outwardly and
upwardly.
[0094] The stay is releasable by a reach tool vertically lowered
from the atmospheric opening, allowing the spring biased distal end
of the lift arm to pivot laterally outward for capture by the reach
tool reach tool vertically lowered from the atmospheric
opening.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment each lift arm has a configuration
at an bottom portion of the arm for engagement by a reach tool
vertically lowered from the atmospheric opening to engage and
pivotally pull the stay released lift arm upwardly such that the
distal end of the arm travels upward on the sidewall. In an
exemplary embodiment, the distal end is a round, optionally a
wheel.
[0096] A suspension member unobstructively horizontally spans the
passage proximate the support top opening and holds the one or more
hinge connected panels in the passage. The suspension member is
supported on the opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the support
top and bottom openings. The suspension member has at least one
handle connected to the suspension member for holding the
suspension member to move it vertically into or out from the
supports on the opposed lateral sidewalls. The suspension member
may comprise a single unitary vertically extending member holding
the horizontal hinge and the panels connected to the hinge, or may
comprise a beam having vertically hung straps holding the
horizontal hinge and the panels connected to the hinge.
[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal hinge comprises a
hinge mounting member held by the suspension member and a plurality
of hinge members mounted on the hinge mounting member. In an
exemplary embodiment, each hinge member comprises a stationary
member, a movable member and a hinge pin interconnecting the
stationary and movable members, the stationary member connecting to
the hinge mounting member, and the moveable hinge member connecting
to the proximal end of a panel. The horizontal hinge may also
comprise a continuous hinge, sometimes called a piano hinge, or any
other hinge comprising a moveable joint that connects two linked
panels and on which the panels may raise and lower.
[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension member is
liftingly removably supported centrally between the opposed lateral
sidewalls, and suspends a pair of panels in the ventilation passage
for rotation of the panels in directions opposite each other from
or to said upright home position. In an exemplary embodiment, the
atmospheric opening is rectilinear and said support is
quadrilateral, the opposing sidewalls each attach centrally in the
ventilation passage adjacent the top opening of the shaft a cradle
having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical arms connecting to
and standing upright on a horizontal bar for liftingly removably
receiving and supporting the beam within such vertical arms and on
the horizontal bar.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, a quadrilateral support has at
least one indicator on at least one sidewall adjacent the opposed
lateral sidewalls to indicate where structure on a panel is located
below the indicator. In such embodiment, the suspension member has
ends each of which bears a key extending laterally past a side of
the suspension member and each cradle is keyed to receive the key
only in one arm of the cradle so a the panel having that structure
is located below the indicator
[0100] In an exemplary embodiment employing such suspension support
cradles, such centrally supported suspension member may comprise a
beam having vertically hung straps holding the horizontal hinge and
the panels connected with said horizontal hinge. Such beam has
ends, lateral sides between the beam ends, and a quadrilateral beam
end plate attached to each beam end. Each beam end plate has
lateral sides extending laterally past the lateral sides of the
beam ends. The cradles each comprise a vertical included right
angle between vertical mutually perpendicular projections of the
vertical arm, one projection of each vertical arm attaching to one
of the opposed sidewalls. The other projection of each vertical arm
is unattached to such one sidewall. Such unattached projections and
the included right angles of the vertical arms face each other. The
attached projections are spaced apart sufficiently for vertically
receiving the beam end plate within the pair of vertical arms. In
an exemplary embodiment having such cradles and bean end plates,
one side of the lateral sides of each beam end plate extends
laterally further than the other lateral side of such beam end
plate, and one unattached projection of one vertical arm of a
cradle has a length longer than the unattached projection of the
other vertical arm of that cradle for accepting the lateral side of
the beam end plate that extends further than the other lateral side
of that beam end plate, thereby to receive the beam end plate
within the pair of vertical arms.
[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the quadrilateral support has at
least one indicator on at least one sidewall adjacent the opposed
lateral sidewalls. The indicator indicates that certain structure
on a panel is to be located below the indicator. The longer side of
the beam end plates and the longer inset of the vertical arms
accepting only the longer side of the end plates allow the beam to
be horizontally placed in the cradles only in an orientation
placing the particular panel having that structure below the
indicator when the panel is in the passage closing position.
[0102] In an exemplary embodiment in which the beam support cradles
allow the beam to be positioned only in one horizontal orientation,
the hinge mounting member has ends, lateral sides between the hinge
mounting member ends, and a quadrilateral hinge mounting member end
plate attached to each hinge mounting member end. The hinge
mounting member end plates each have lateral sides extending
laterally past the lateral sides of the hinge mounting member ends.
The opposing sidewalls each attach a pair of spaced apart
horizontal anchor bars centrally in the passage below the cradle
and adjacent the bottom opening. Each anchor bar comprises an
included right angle between mutually perpendicular horizontal
projections of unequal length, the shorter projection of each
anchor bar attaching to one of the opposed sidewalls, the longer
projection of that anchor bar being unattached to the one sidewall.
The unattached projections and the included right angles of the
anchor bars face each other. The attached projections are spaced
apart sufficiently to vertically receive the hinge mounting member
end plate within the pair of anchor bars. Thus where the
quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one
wall adjacent the opposed lateral sidewalls to indicate that
structure on a panel is located below the indicator, the beam end
plate, the cradle vertical arms, the hinge mounting member end
plate end plate and the anchor bars cooperatively orient placement
of the beam and the hinge mounting member hung from the beam so a
panel having that structure will be located below the indicator
when the panel is in the passage closing position.
[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, a drain is provided in at least
one of the one or more panels intermediate the proximate and distal
ends thereof. The drain comprises a conduit such as a hollow tube
passing though the panel. The conduit has an opening at the panel
top side. The drain includes a self actuating drain closure. The
closure comprises a plug pivoting rotatably on a drain plug axis
positioned between the drain tube and the distal end of the panel
having the drain. The drain plug axis parallels the horizontal
hinge axis of the panels. The plug is manually pivotable upwardly
on the drain plug axis to remove the plug from the drain opening to
drain water contained above the one or more panels when the one or
more panels is in the passage closing position. The plug by
gravitational impetus of its own weight automatically pivots
downward to place the plug in the conduit opening when the panel
containing the drain is pivotally raised upward to the home
position, Then when the panel gravitationally rotates downwardly to
the passage closing position, the drain opening is already
closed.
[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the self actuating drain closure
plug includes an upwardly concave sealing gasket around the plug
periphery to seal any space between the plug periphery and the
conduit opening when the panel containing the plug is in the
passage closing position.
[0105] In an exemplary embodiment a panel containing a self
actuating drain closure has spaced posts fixedly mounted to the top
side of the panel between the drain and the distal end of each the
panel. The drain plug axis comprises a rod spanning between the
posts supported by the posts parallel to the horizontal hinge axis
and above the panel top side. The drain closure comprises a plug
arm pivotally rotatable at a proximal end of the arm with or on the
rod for movement of the arm to a raised drain opening position and
to a lowered drain closing position. The rod may be fixed to the
posts with the plug arm rotating on the rod, or the plug arm may be
fixed to the pivot axis rod with the rod rotating in the posts. The
plug arm is weighted to place the center of gravity of the plug arm
remotely from the rod. The plug arm comprises an attachment
projection remote from the rod, an upwardly concave sealing gasket,
a top plate and a bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are both
smaller in size than the gasket. The concave sealing gasket is
secured between the top and bottom plates, at least the bottom
plate being of size configured to enter and plug the conduit
opening. The plates expose an outer upwardly concave gasket portion
extending above the bottom plate. The plates are fixedly connected
to the arm at the attachment projection locating the center of
gravity of the arm remotely past the pivot axis of the rod in the
direction of the drain, so that after a plug arm is raised from the
drain opening to empty water above the panel while the panel is in
the passage closing position, rotating the panel upwardly toward
the home position causes the plug arm solely by reason of gravity
acting on the center of gravity of the raised plug arm, to
automatically rotate downwardly from the position raised fro
draining the panel to a position parallel to the panel, placing at
least the bottom plate in the drain conduit opening closing the
opening with the outer upwardly concave gasket portion sealing
space between the plates and the opening. In an exemplary
embodiment the plug arm includes a relief on an underside of the
arm distal from the rod for capture of the arm by an arm lifting
reach tool.
[0106] Turning now to the drawings, they show exemplary embodiments
of an apparatus for preventing downward flow of surface water into
an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through a
ventilation shaft to a rectilinear atmospheric opening of the
shaft. FIGS. 1-39 show exemplary embodiments having a pair of
panels. FIGS. 50-51A show exemplary embodiments having a single
panel. Referring initially to FIGS. 4, 5 and 5A, an exemplary
embodiment comprises a support embodied in a quadrilateral or
four-sided box 210 inclusive of sidewalls 224 (224a, 224b, 224c,
224d) having at the upper extent of the sidewalls flanges 220
(220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) transverse to the sidewalls 224 for
extension over a top of walls of a ventilation shaft for suspension
of box 210 vertically in the shaft to define a passage 225 between
top opening 226 and bottom opening 228 of box 210 for fluid
communication of a ventilation duct up through box 210 to an
atmospheric opening above top opening 226. Cradles 211a, 211c are
formed in the upper sides of opposing sidewalls 224a and 224c
respectively. The apparatus shown is suitable as a drop in solution
to sealing vent passages from storm waters by lowering it into a
ventilation shaft to rest on walls of the shaft. In place, a
grating (not pictured) covers top opening 226. In normal operation,
operator access to the interior of box 210 is through the
grating.
[0107] Although an embodiment as described herein employs a
quadrilateral box support 210, some locations may allow use of a
support in the shape of a hollow cylinder also having stops 230
proximate a bottom opening of the support, and this form is
comprehended within the scope of the invention.
[0108] Stops 230a, 230 b, 230c and 230d in the form of corner
braces in box 210 are within and connected to sidewalls 224
proximate bottom opening 228 and do not obstruct passage 225.
Adjacent sidewalls include a base 227 having rounded corners 227a,
227d above respective stops 230a, 230d, and a base 229 having
rounded corners 229b and 229c above respective stops 230b, 230c.
Rounded corners 227a, 227d and 229b, 229c have a round corner
radius of curvature.
[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a beam 242 comprising
extruded tubing unobstructively horizontally spans across passage
225 and connects to opposed sidewalls 224a, 224c of box 210
proximate top opening 226. Beam 242 is lodged in cradles 211a,
211c, and is conveniently lowered into channels 211a, 211c by
operators holding beam foldable handles 212a, 212c. Beam 242 and
straps 244 described below comprise a suspension member for
equipment described below. Beam 242 and its attached equipment can
be lowered into place as a complete assembled unit 201 after box
210 is installed in ventilation shaft resting on flanges 220. This
assembled unit 201 can be removed from box 210 for servicing by
withdrawing beam 242 from channels 211a, 211c by means of handles
212a, 212c.
[0110] Although an embodiment as described employs a suspension
member comprising a beam 242 and straps 244 for supporting
equipment described below, the scope of the invention is not
limited to such embodiment. A suspension member may be employed
other than beam 242 and straps 244, for example a suspension member
can be a single unitary vertically extending solid or fenestrated
plate suspending the hinged panels the same as beam 242 and straps
244. An advantage of the described beam 242 and straps 244 is a
lighter weight imposing a lesser load on flanges 220 than a solid
plate, but a fenestrated plate would serve a lighter load advantage
as well, albeit likely a more costly element.
[0111] Referring particularly to FIG. 11, a hinge mounting member
245 unobstructively horizontally spans across passage 225 the same
as beam 242 connected by a plurality of straps 244a, 244b, 244c,
244d to beam 242. Lodged in cradles 211a and 211c, beam 242 and
hinge mounting member 245 spanning between sidewalls 224a, 224c are
centered in passage 225 of box 210 with beam 242 directly over
hinge mounting member 245. Hinge mounting member 245 mounts and
supports a plurality of hinge members 243. Hinge members 243 each
comprise a stationary member 243b, a movable member 243a and a
hinge pin 243c that interconnects stationary member 243b and
movable member 243a. Stationary member 243b connects to hinge
mounting member 245.
[0112] A pair of opposing panels 234, 236 each having proximal and
distal portions, respectively 234a, 234b and 236a, 236b, are
connected at proximal portions 234a, 236a by moveable hinge members
243a to stationary hinge members 243b and thereby to a hinge
mounting member 245 and from hinge mounting member 245 via straps
244a, 244b, 244c and 244d to beam 242. The connection of moveable
hinge members 243a to the proximal portions 234a, 236a of panels
234, 236 on hinge pins 243c forms respective pivot axes of panels
234, 236 for vertical rotation of panels 234, 236. Panels 234, 236
rotate in directions opposite each other from or to an upright home
position tucked under beam 242. Rotation of the panels upwardly
(one clockwise, the other counterclockwise) to home position is
effected manually as further described below. The home position of
the panels tucked under beam 242 does not occlude passage 225.
Panels 234, 236 in rotation fall solely under the gravitational
impetus of their own weight from the upright home position to a
lower passage closing position (indicated generally by reference
numeral 215) where further rotation is prevented by stops 230a,
230b, 230c, and 230d. Each panel has a profile that closes the
passage when the panels gravitationally rotate to the passage
closing position.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 2A-3B, Panels 234, 236 have a top side
plate 238 and a bottom side 232. Bottom side 232 is crisscrossed
with internal cross braces 237, 239 for rigidity. The distal
portions of the panels have rounded corners 219 with a radius of
curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the
sidewall corners 229a, 229b, 229c and 229d they sweep when rotating
to the passage closing position. The panels include peripheral
distal and lateral seals 221, 222 for sealing the passage in the
passage closing position, seals 221a, 222a for panel 234 and seals
221b, 222b for panel 236. A gasket seal 223 (223a for panel 234,
223b for panel 236) spans the proximal ends of bases of panels 234,
236 below pin 243c and seals bottom opening 228 at the proximal
ends of panels 234, 236 when the panels are in the passage closing
position. At least one of the panels, such as panel 236 is fitted
with a drain 270 intermediate the proximate and distal ends of the
panel, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and further described
below.
[0114] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12A-13A each panel
234, 236 topside 238 includes a recess 233 or 233'. Referring to
FIGS. 5-7, The recess contains a panel holder latch catch 235 for
panel 234, 235' for panel 236 (latch catch 235' is shielded from
view in FIG. 12A but will be understood to be the same and operate
the same as latch catch 235). A panel holder 240 latch 247 for
panel 234, 249 for panel 236 (latch 249 is shielded from view in
FIG. 6 but will be understood to be the same and operate the same
as latch 247.) Panel holder 240 inclusive of latches 247, 249 is
carried by the suspension member 242. Latches 247, 249 are
vertically pivotal on a horizontal axis 254 at a proximate end of
the latches. The latches axis 254 is parallel to the panel axes of
pins 243c paralleling either side of hinge mounting member 245.
Each panel holder latch 247, 249 pivotally extends externally from
latch axis 254 distally to an inferior return having a sloped
surface ending at an inset notch 251, 251'. Recesses 233, 233' and
latches 247, 249 are horizontally and vertically aligned with each
other such that when panel 234, 236 is rotated vertically upward,
the inferior return of latch 247, 249 is brought into sliding
contact with ramp 241, 241' carried by the panel and the sloped
surface of the latch slides on ramp 241, 241' until inset notch
251, 251' passes over latch catch edge, 235, 235', capturing latch
247, 249. This capture holds panel 234, 236 in home position
213.
[0115] Panel holder 240 is movably suspended from suspension member
242 by a rod 246 connected to panel holder 240. Rod 246 is mounted
through beam 242 slideably translatable through a brace 255
fastened between straps 244b, 244c and terminates above beam 242 at
T-handle 252 under a cover 253 sheltering T-handle 252 from
pedestrian view through a grating covering quadrilateral support
210. Cover 253 reduces if not avoiding gratuitous tampering with
the apparatus and unwanted deployment of the panels by mischief
makers.
[0116] Rod 246 and T-handle 252 comprise a panel releaser. The
T-handle provides convenient holding, such as by a projection or
hook of a reach tool that can be vertically inserted through a
small opening in a grating covering support 210 to reach under
cover 253 and hook T-handle 252 for lifting panel holder 240.
Lifting rod 246 by T-handle 252 moves panel holder 240 upwardly to
cause moveable members 247, 249 to lose their hold on catch 241,
241' and release panels 234, 236, allowing panels 234, 236 to
rotationally gravitationally fall solely by impetus of their own
weight from the upright home position 213 to the lower passage
closing position 215.
[0117] Panels 234, 236 are provided with structure to raise the
panels manually to home position 213. Each panel 234, 236 has a
handle 259, 259' on its top side 238, 238' remote from the pivot
axes of pins 243c of the hinge members 243 to which the proximate
ends 234a, 236a of the panels 234, 236 are connected. A tool such
as hooking tool 290 can be used by an operator and inserted through
a grating over box 210 to grasp handle 259, 259' to lift panel 234,
236. FIGS. 20 and 20A depict panel 234, 236 partially raised from
the resting position shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A. The lifting
operation however must be performed through a small opening in the
grating that covers the support 210. The opening not only is small
but it is deep, limiting operation to only vertical manipulation.
Lifting panel 234, 236 with a tool 290 to rotate the panel upward
fully to home position 213 thus becomes difficult as home position
is approached, for very little lateral force can be applied. Each
panel 234, 236 is provided with an assist mechanism that allows
straight vertical movement manipulation through a small opening in
the grate to push laterally against panel 234, 236 to facilitate
full closure to home position 213.
[0118] This mechanical assist mechanism comprises a lift arm 260
for panel 234 and a lift arm 260' for panel 236. Referring
particularly to FIGS. 14 and 14A, each lift arm 260, 260' has a
proximal end 261, 261' pivotally connected by pivot pin 267 to a
bracket 262, 262' fastened to a brace cross member 239 on the
bottom side 232 of the panel 234, 236, and each has a pendent
distal end 263, 263', optionally comprising a round, which in this
embodiment is a terminal wheel 264, 264', but may be a rounded
terminus of the end 263, 263'. Each lift arm 260, 260' is of a
dimension to contact its distal end 263, 263', in this embodiment,
wheel 264, 264', with the opposing lateral sidewalls 224a, 224c
parallel to beam 242 when distal end 263, 263' pivots outwardly and
upwardly inside support box 210.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, lift arms 260, 260' are spring
biased to extend the distal ends 263, 263' rotationally outwardly
and upwardly, by means of force expressed by a spring 257, 257'
centrally coiled around lift arm pivot pin 267, 267', with a
proximal short end 257a extending at a right angle across the
superior side of lift arm 260, 260' and a distal long end 257b
extending at a right angle across the inferior side of lift arm
260, 260'.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 14A, 15-17, 19A, lift arms 260, 260' are
restrained from spring biased extension by stays 266, 266'
pivotally connected at an upper end by pivot pin 268, 268' to a
bracket 256, 256' fastened to brace cross member 239 adjacent the
pivotal attachment of the proximal ends of lift arms 260, 260'. The
lower end 269, 269' of stays 266, 266' is outwardly angled toward
lift arms 260, 266' to extend across and releasably contact the
proximal superior side of lift arms 260, 260'. The spring bias of
lift arms 260, 260' presses lift arms 260, 260' against stays 266,
266' to maintain the restraining contact. The restraint imposed by
stays 266, 266' enables beam 242 and the equipment suspended from
beam 242 by straps 244a-244d to be lowered into box 210 for support
by the cradles 211a, 211c of box 210 with the biased lift arms 260,
260' tucked inwardly so as to not interferingly contact the lateral
sidewalls 224b, 224d parallel to beam 242 during the drop in
installation of the beam and beam supported equipment.
[0121] Using a reach tool such as hooking tool 290 vertically
lowered though a grate small opening, the lower ends 269, 269' of
stays 266, 266' can be slipped off lift arms 260, 260' to allow the
spring biased lift arms 260, 260' to extend outwardly and upwardly
under the force expressed by of spring 257. See FIG. 18.
[0122] Each lift arm 260, 260' has a configuration at an inferior
portion of the arm, such a relief slot 265, 265', for engagement by
a hook 291 of a second hooking reach tool 290 lowered though a
grate small opening into the box support 210. Referring to FIGS.
20-20A, with panels 234, 236 partially raised by a first hooking
tool such as tool 290 and lift arms 260, 260' released from stays
266, 266', the extended outwardly lift arms 260, 260' can be
engaged by snagging slot 266, 266' using the second hooking tool
290. With lift arm 260, 260' thus engaged while panel 234, 236 is
incompletely lifted using a first hooking reach tool 290, an
operator can next withdraw the first hooking tool that pulled up
the panel 234 or 236 being lifted, holding that panel partially
lifted by interference of the distal edge of the panel with the
shank 292 of the second tool 290. This removes the first hooking
tool from a position where it would interfere with closing of panel
234, 236 to full upright home position 213 by operation of lifting
arm 260, 260'. The operator then vertically pulls the shank 292 of
second tool 290 up though the small opening on the grate. This
pivots the engaged lift arm 260 or 260' upward such that the distal
end 263, 263' of the arm, here wheel 264, 264', travels upward on
sidewall 224a, 224c. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 20A, vertical pull
of tool 290 continues until proximal end 261, 261' of lift arm 260,
260' exerts sufficient lateral force against its connected panel
234 or 236 to push panel 234, 236 to completed rotation into home
position 213. Referring to FIGS. 21, 21A, in nearing completion to
home position, the panel 234, 236 with included recess 233, 233'
and ramp 241 have engaged the slope of distal return 248 of latches
247, 249 and inset notch 251 has slide past ramp latch catch edge
235, capturing panel 234, 236 against panel holder 240 with panels
234, 236 essentially vertically disposed. The hooking tool 290 is
the fully vertically withdrawn though the small opening in the
grate.
[0123] Panel 236 as in the depicted embodiment in FIGS. 12A, 12B,
40 and 43 is fitted with a drain 270 intermediate the proximate and
distal ends of the panel. Drain 270 comprises a conduit such as
hollow tube 271 passing though panel 236 and has an opening 272 at
panel top side 238. Referring particularly to FIGS. 40-48, a self
actuating drain closure, indicated generally by reference numeral
273, includes a plug 274 suitably pivoting rotatably on an axis 275
parallel to the panel axis 243c of panel 236. Plug axis 275 is
positioned between drain conduit 271 and the distal end 236b of
panel 236. Operatively plug 274 is manually pivoted upwardly on
pivot axis 275 to remove the plug from drain opening 272 while
panel 236 is in the passage closing position, to drain flooding
water contained in box 210 that has been prevented by panels from
entering ventilation shafts guarded by apparatus 200. As panel 236
is pivotally raised upward to the home position after drainage of
box 210 to allow resumption of ventilation between the atmospheric
opening and the protected ventilation duct, plug 274 by force of
gravity automatically pivots downward to place the plug in conduit
aperture 272.
[0124] More particularly, panel 236 has spaced posts 276, 276'
fixedly mounted to the top side 238 of panel 236 between drain 270
and distal end 236b of panel 236. A pivot axis rod 275 is supported
parallel to the axis 243c of panel 236 by posts 276, 276' and spans
between the posts above top side 238 of panel 236. Drain closure
273 comprises a plug arm 277 pivotally rotating cooperatively at
one end 277a thereof with pivot axis rod 275 for movement of arm
277 to a raised drain opening position and to a lowered drain
closing position. Pivot axis rod 275 may be fixed to posts 276,
276' with plug arm 277 rotating on pivot axis rod 275, or pivot
axis rod 275 may rotate in posts 276, 276' with plug arm 277 fixed
to pivot axis rod 275.
[0125] Plug arm 277 comprises an attachment projection 278 remote
from pivot axis rod 275. Plug 274 further comprises a concave
sealing gasket 280, a top plate 281 and a bottom plate 282, both
smaller in size than gasket 280. As shown in the drawings, the
drain conduit 271 is a cylinder, the top and bottom plates 281 and
282 are circular discs and the concave gasket 280 is circular.
Other complementary conduit, gasket and plate shapes may be used,
circular being suitable and perhaps less complicated but not
necessary. Concave sealing gasket 280 is secured between top and
bottom plates 281 and 282 by fasteners 283 in holes 284, 284'. At
least bottom plate 282 is of a size configured to enter and plug
conduit opening 272. Plates 281, 282 sandwiching gasket 280 expose
an outer upwardly concave gasket portion 280' extending above
bottom plate 281. Plates 281, 282 are fixedly connected to plug arm
277 at attachment projection 278, thereby locating a center of
gravity of plug 274 past pivot axis rod 275 in the direction of
drain 270. Thus when panel 236 has plug 274 in raised position for
draining box 210 with panel 236 in the passage closing position
215, and panel 236 (with plug 274 in raised position) is then
rotated upwardly toward home position to restore ventilation
through box 210, plug 274--by reason of gravity acting on the
centered mass of the raised plug forward of plug axis 275--falls
rotating downwardly from the raised position to a position parallel
to panel 236, placing at least bottom plate 282 in the drain
conduit opening 272, thereby closing drain conduit opening 272,
with the outer upwardly concave gasket portion 280' sealing space
between plates 281, 282 and opening 272.
[0126] Plug arm 274 suitably includes an inferior relief 279
intermediate the attachment projection and a terminus of arm 274
remote from rod 275 and plug axis 275 for hooking capture of plug
arm 274 by a projection such as 291 on hooking reach tool 290. An
operator insert tool 290 though an opening in a grating covering
the support 210, hooks the inferior relief 279 and lifts tool 290
to raise the captured arm 274 to remove plug 274 from drain
aperture 270 to drain box 210 while panel 236 is in passage closing
position 215.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the same reference numerals
are used as in FIGS. 40-46 where applicable for a variation of the
plug 274. The variant plug is indicated generally by reference
numeral 310. FIG. 47 compares to FIG. 35A. Plug 310 places the
location where a reach tool such as 290 can capture plug arm 277 at
an inset 310 formed in the distal end 311 of plug arm 277 above top
plate 210. Bottom plate 282 is configured to an inverted
frustoconical member of greater mass and deeper reach into opening
272 of drain conduit 270, increasing the center of gravity of plug
arm 277
[0128] Without the presence of self actuating drain closure 273,
there is a risk that with another kind of drain closure an operator
might raise panel 236 into home position with the other kind of
drain closure remaining open, creating a situation where water
entering box 210 through top opening 226 would enter the
ventilation shaft meant to be closed when panel 236 is in passage
closing position 215. The presence of the "fool proof" self
actuating means for automatically closing aperture 272 by the
action of raising panel 236 assures that drain aperture 270 is
already closed when panel 236 is subsequently lowered to panel
closing position 215.
[0129] Referring now to FIGS. 50-51A, another exemplary embodiment
employs a single panel. Components in the single panel embodiments
that are the same as in the exemplary pair of panels embodiments
have the same reference numbers as in the exemplary pair of panels
embodiments. The single panel exemplary embodiment , as with the
other exemplary embodiments, assumes a rectilinear atmospheric
opening of a vertical ventilation shaft and allows ventilation as
usual through the shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly
communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric
opening at a grating over the shaft and on threat of flooding is
operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the
underground ventilation duct. The single panel exemplary
embodiment, like the pair of panels exemplary embodiments comprises
a support embodied as a four-sided vertical box open at bottom and
top to define a passage 225 between top and bottom openings of the
box support. Some details are omitted for simplicity of exposition
but will be understood from descriptions of the pair of panels
exemplary embodiments. Exemplary flanges, e.g. 220b, 220c
horizontally extend and rest atop vertical walls of a ventilation
shaft (flanges 220a, 220d are not indicated by reference numerals
in FIGS. 50-51A but are understood from the prior embodiments).
Support box sidewalls 224b, 224c and 224d are visible in the
sectional views FIGS. 50A and 51A (sidewall 224a will be understood
from descriptions of the embodiments of the pair of panels. The
four sidewalls 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d of box 218 vertically fit
inside the four vertical ventilation shaft walls, as in the pair of
panels exemplary embodiments. Stops like stops 230a, 230d in the
pair of panels exemplary embodiments are within and connected to
sidewalls, respectively, 224a, 224b and 224a, 224d, proximate
bottom opening like 229 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-2A
where they do not obstruct passage 225. Adjacent sidewalls include
a base 227 having rounded corners 227a, 127d above respective stops
230a, 230d.
[0130] Cradles 211a, 211c are formed in the upper sides of opposing
sidewalls 224a and 224c respectively, adjacent sidewall 224d. The
apparatus shown is suitable as a drop in solution to seal vent
passages from storm waters by lowering it into a ventilation shaft
to rest on walls of the shaft. In place, a grating (not pictured)
covers top opening 226. In normal operation, operator access to the
interior of the support box is through the grating.
[0131] Referring now to FIGS. 50-51A, a beam 242 comprising
extruded tubing unobstructively horizontally spans across passage
225 and connects to opposed sidewalls 224a, 224c of box 210
adjacent side wall 224d and proximate top opening 226. Beam 242 is
lodged in cradles 211a, 211c, and is conveniently lowered into
channels 211a, 211c by operators holding beam foldable handles
212a, 212c. Beam 242 and straps 244 comprise a suspension member.
Beam 242 and its attached equipment can be lowered into place as a
complete assembled unit after the support box is installed in
ventilation shaft resting on flanges 220. This assembled unit can
be removed from the support box for servicing by withdrawing beam
242 from channels 211a, 211c by means of handles 212a, 212c.
[0132] Referring particularly to FIG. 51A, a hinge mounting member
245 unobstructively horizontally spans across passage 225 the same
as beam 242 connected by a plurality of straps 244 to beam 242
(only 244d is seen in the sectional views of FIGS. 50A and 51A).
Lodged in cradles 211a and 211c, beam 242 and hinge mounting member
245 spans between sidewalls 224a, 224c adjacent sidewall 224d with
beam 242 directly over hinge mounting member 245. Hinge mounting
member 245 mounts and supports a plurality of hinge members 243.
The hinge members 243, as in the pair of panels exemplary
embodiments, each comprise a stationary member 243b, a movable
member 243a and a hinge pin 243c that interconnects stationary
member 243b and movable member 243a, stationary member 243b
connecting to hinge mounting member 245. In FIG. 51A, only moveable
member 243a is referenced to avoid obfuscation of elements,
[0133] A single panel 236 having proximal and distal portions,
respectively (understood the same as 236a, 236b in the pair of
panels exemplars) are connected at proximal portion 236a by
moveable hinge members 243a to stationary hinge members 243b and
thereby to a hinge mounting member 245 and from hinge mounting
member 245 via straps 244a, 244b, 244c and 244d to beam 242, as in
the pair of panels exemplars. The connection of moveable hinge
members 243a to the proximal portion 236a of panels 236 on hinge
pins 243c forms a pivot axis of panels 236 for vertical rotation of
panel 236. Panel 236 rotates from or to an upright home position
tucked under beam 242. Rotation of panel 236 upwardly
(counterclockwise in the exemplary embodiment show) to home
position is effected manually as further described below. The home
position of panel 236 tucked under beam 242 does not occlude
passage 225. Panel 236 in rotation falls solely under the
gravitational impetus of its own weight from the upright home
position to a lower passage closing position where further rotation
is prevented by stops 230a, 230d. Each panel has a profile that
closes the passage when the panels gravitationally rotate to the
passage closing position.
[0134] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 50-51A, panel 236 the
same as panel 236 in the pair of panels exemplar includes a recess
233' that contains a panel holder latch catch 235'. A panel holder
240 latch 249 for panel 236. Panel holder 240 inclusive of latch
249 is carried by the suspension member 242. Latch 249 is
vertically pivotal on a horizontal axis at a proximate end of the
latches. The latch axis is parallel to the panel axes of pins 243c.
Panel holder latch 249, like latch 247 in FIG. 6 pivotally extends
externally from the latch axis distally to an inferior return
having a sloped surface ending at an inset notch 251'. Recess 233'
and latch 249 are horizontally and vertically aligned with each
other such that when panel 236 is rotated vertically upward, the
inferior return of latch 249 is brought into sliding contact with
ramp 241' carried by the panel, and the sloped surface of the latch
slides on ramp 241' until inset notch 251' passes over latch catch
edge 235', capturing latch 249. This capture holds panel 234, 236
in home position 213. As in the case of the pair of panels
exemplar, the placement of the latch and latch catch can be
reversed.
[0135] As in the case of the pair of panel exemplars, panel holder
240 is movably suspended from suspension member 242 by a rod 246
connected to panel holder 240. Rod 246 is mounted through beam 242
slideably translatable through a brace 255 fastened between straps
244b, 244c and terminates above beam 242 at T-handle 252 under a
cover 253 sheltering T-handle 252 from pedestrian view through a
grating covering quadrilateral support 210. Rod 246 and T-handle
252 comprise a panel releaser. The T-handle provides convenient
holding, such as by a projection or hook of a reach tool that can
be vertically inserted through a small opening in a grating
covering support 210 to reach under cover 253 and hook T-handle 252
for lifting panel holder 240. Lifting rod 246 by T-handle 252 moves
panel holder 240 upwardly to cause moveable members 247, 249 to
lose their hold on catch 241, 241' and release panels 234, 236,
allowing panels 234, 236 to rotationally gravitationally fall
solely by impetus of their own weight from the upright home
position 213 to the lower passage closing position 215.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 51, as in the case of the pair of panels
exemplars, the single panel exemplary embodiment includes a lift
arm 260' having a proximal end 261' pivotally connected by pivot
pin 267 to the bottom side of panel 236 on a pivotation axis
parallel to the hinge axis 243c and a distal end 263', the lift arm
260' being of dimension to contact distal end 263' with opposed
lateral sidewall 224b when distal end 263' is pivoted upward inside
sidewall 224b for exertion of lateral force onto connected panel
236 being raised with panel handle 259' to complete rotation of
panel 236 into the home position.
[0137] As shown in FIGS. 50-51A, as also in the case of the pair of
panels exemplars, the single panel exemplary embodiment includes a
drain 270 in panel 236 intermediate the proximate and distal ends
thereof, the drain 270 comprising a conduit 271 passing though
panel 236. Conduit 271 has an opening 272 at the top side of panel
236 and a self actuating drain closure 273 comprising a plug 274
pivotingly rotatable on a drain plug axis 275 positioned between
the drain conduit 271 and the distal end 236b of panel 236, the
drain plug axis 275 paralleling the horizontal hinge axis 243c.
Operatively, plug 274 is manually pivotable upwardly on the drain
plug axis 275 to remove the plug from the drain opening 272 to
drain water contained in the support box that has been prevented by
panel 236 from entering a ventilation shaft when panel 236 is in
the passage closing position. After drainage of the support box. as
panel 236 is pivotally raised upward to the home position to allow
resumption of ventilation between the atmospheric opening and the
protected ventilation duct, plug 274 by gravitational impetus of
its own weight automatically pivots downward to place the plug in
the conduit opening 272. Consequently, drain conduit opening 272 is
already closed when panel 236 gravitationally rotates downwardly to
the passage closing position.
[0138] Having described illustrative examples of embodiments that
incorporate concepts of the invention, those skilled in the art
will be able to use these concepts as guided by these embodiments,
and may form alternative variations that nonetheless embrace the
concepts herein disclosed and still be within the scope of my
invention as claimed in the claims that follow.
* * * * *